Electroactive Nanocellulose Biolubricant Under Electric Fields: Squeeze‑Flow Evidence of Improved Load Carrying Capacity

The development of environmentally sustainable lubricants capable of actively adapting to changing operating conditions is of increasing interest in tribology. Conventional anti‑wear additives and nanoparticle‑enhanced lubricants, while effective, rely on passive mechanisms and often raise environmental concerns. Electrorheological (ER) fluids offer a promising alternative by enabling real‑time modulation of rheological properties and tribological behaviour through the application of an external electric field. Building on this concept, the present work investigates the squeeze‑flow behavior and load‑carrying capacity of novel electroactive biolubricants formulated from castor oil and crystalline nanocellulose (CNC), nanoparticle selected for its sustainability, polarizability, and ability to form field‑induced structures.